10 Commandments - Help Me Understand
The 10 commandments are one of the deepest and most profound sources of insight in the Bible. It's very important to know that they are primarily given so that we can know God. One might say that they are primarily revelatory (reveal God), not redemptive.
Each commandment comes from the very character of God. God could not have said the opposite of any of the commands. They didn't come out randomly. They directly reflect God's character. He could not have commanded us to lie because He is truth. Such facts can be pointed out about each of the commandments. When God tells us not to covet, we are learning that God is the Provider (which means He is sovereign and wise, among other things)
My Pastor pointed out today something he learned while unable to sleep the other night. One of the 10 commandments does not seem to reflect God's character nearly as much as it is there simply for our benefit. Which command is that?
The command to remember the Sabbath by keeping it Holy is a command that doesn't clearly come from His character - because God does not need rest - though he did rest during creation (for a reason - for man). In fact, Exodus 31:17 says 17"It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed."
So what does the Sabbath reveal about God's character? It doesn't fit nice and neatly like the other one's do (at least, not in my mind).
What else can you tell me about the Sabbath and what it reveals about man and about God?
posted by Tim @ 3:01 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Tracey was here...
and she actually had time to write something!
My religions of the world class puts special emphasis on work and community. One idea that came up with the ten commandments and the Sabbath is that God became a model for us when He created the world. We work throughout the week and then rest just as God did on the seventh day. God Himself does not need rest, but humans do. In a way, he was setting an example, and what better example to attempt to follow is there but the Lord?
Disclaimer: This lesson was many many weeks ago. I could be way off...and probably am.
Another thought...
that may or may not have any significance.
Remembering the Sabbath is the only commandment in which God says NOT to do something. As in "You shall NOT." Just a thought.
Our lead pastor pointed out that the sabbath commandment is the only one of the 10 commandments not reiterated in the NT.
Great insights you've included on this passage, Tim. Very encouraging and what a message for today's busy person!
Tracey - totally true - God didn't need rest - but did it for us. Since it is a creation thing - long before being a 10 commandment thing - it is for all time - not just an Old Testament thing. Actually, many of the commandments are "nots" - do not covet...
Thanks for the thoughts.
Tim
Post a Comment
<< Home